A perfect weekend in Oxford : Things to do in the city

Stroll among the honey-coloured architecture, discovering hidden pubs in alleyways and catching some of the best live music artists on the scene, here are my favourite things to do in Oxford.

Famed for its colleges, universities and stunning architecture, there is something for everyone in Oxford. For fans of the arts, historic buildings, shopping and nightlife, the city is a vibrant hub where history meets the modern day. Oxford is the perfect weekend getaway city, offering something to please everyone.

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THINGS TO DO IN OXFORD – DAY ONE

EXPLORE THE OXFORD CASTLE QUARTER

For a great first stop in the city, head to the Oxford Castle Quarter. The history of this area dates back ten centuries, since when it has served as a Royal Castle, a centre of justice and most famously as the Oxford Gaol for several hundred years. Having been extensively redeveloped after the prison closed in 1996, the site is now home to a hotel within the prison walls (more about that later) as well a string of restaurants and bars.

There is also a visitor attraction, OXFORD CASTLE PRISON, an interactive journey through the history of the building. Outside of the castle, you can climb the Norman Castle Mound which was built in 1071. Climbing to the top of the mound offers panoramic views across the city where you can look out for some of Oxford’s landmark buildings and spires.

TAKE A STROLL THROUGH OXFORD COVERED MARKET

In the centre of the city, within a building dating back to 1770’s, is the charming Oxford Covered Market. Take a wander through the thoroughfares, past stalls and kiosks packed with produce from local suppliers. Whether it’s food, drink, flowers or gifts, there is something for everyone. Be sure to stop by COLOMBIA COFFEE ROASTERS for coffee and cake at this lovely little independent artisan coffee shop.

VISIT OXFORD’S COLLEGES

Wandering around Oxford city centre, you are not going to get very far without seeing some of the stunning buildings of the universities and colleges of the city. Guided tours are available at certain times where you can access the college buildings, but if you are short on time, you can still admire the buildings and grounds without entering. Notable buildings to stop by are Trinity College, Lincoln College, All Souls College and Magdalen College.

One of the main colleges you absolutely should not miss is CHRISTCHURCH COLLEGE. As well as the stunning Cathedral, you’ll want to make sure that you can visit the Great Hall which is the inspiration for the Great Hall of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies. We tried twice to visit the Great Hall, unsuccessfully the first time due to a function, but on our second visit we managed to get access, and it was magnificent. The grounds of Christchurch are absolutely stunning too, offering great views of the building exteriors.

STOP BY ONE (OR TWO) OF OXFORD’S HISTORIC PUBS

One of the must do things to do in Oxford is to grab a pint at one of the city’s historic pubs. First on the list should always be the TURF TAVERN. It’s become something of a pilgrimage on our trips to Oxford. A historic pub dating back to the 1380’s, it’s well hidden down some alleyways. You need to really search it out, but it’s worthwhile. A cosy pub, with low beamed ceilings and a large outdoor seating area, Turf Tavern is a hub for students, locals and tourists alike. Another traditional boozer worth checking out is THE THREE GOATS HEADS on St. Michael’s Street. It’s located in a beautiful building and decorated in traditional wood panelling.

For something a little different, head back to the Covered Market entrance on High Street and head to THE VARSITY CLUB. Set over four stories, combining traditional and contemporary décor, there’s a cocktail bar, a restaurant, dance club and a rooftop bar. We headed to the rooftop bar for an afternoon drink; a great spot to sit above the city and take in the views.

Oxford’s food and drink scene has altered significantly with the development of the WESTGATE OXFORD, a haven for shopping, food and drink. The Rooftop Terrace is a thriving spot packed full of restaurants and bars.

VENTURE OUT OF THE CITY CENTRE TO JERICHO

Oxford can get busy, especially on Saturdays. Being a university city and a popular tourist destination, Oxford’s streets can become crowded and it’s nice to venture away from the city centre. A fifteen-minute walk from the city centre, heads out to the Jericho neighbourhood. A vibrant area packed full of pubs, bars and restaurants, Jericho has a cool vibe. The walk from the city centre along Walton Street takes you past the stunning Oxford University Press buildings.

Little Clarendon Street is great spot to grab a drink or some food. The DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE is a great little pub, and for some delicious tapas, head to AL-ANDALUS. Other notable drinking establishments are JUDE THE OBSCURE and THE JERICHO TAVERN.

VISIT ONE OF OXFORD’S LIVE MUSIC VENUES

Oxford is an excellent city for live music, ad many university destinations are. While the city doesn’t have a large arena-style venue, there are lots of small to mid-size venues. The O2 ACADEMY OXFORD, formerly the beloved Oxford Zodiac, is the main gig venue of the city, but for a smaller and more intimate gig experience, THE JERICHO TAVERN is a great place to see live music. I’ve seen many of my favourite acts in Oxford over the years, so this city’s gig venues hold a place in my heart.

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THINGS TO DO IN OXFORD – DAY TWO

EXPLORE THE TOP TOURIST SPOTS ON SUNDAY MORNING

One of my recommended things to do in Oxford is to get out exploring the city early on a Sunday morning. Before the shops are open and the visitors venture out, the city centre is much quieter until around 11am. This provides the perfect opportunity to see some of Oxford’s most famous and beautiful landmarks without the crowds.

VISIT THE HISTORIC BODLEIAN LIBRARY

As one of the world’s oldest libraries, the BODLEIAN LIBRARY opened in 1602 and has been one of the University of Oxford’s working libraries ever since. There are 28 libraries in total that make up the Bodleian, but the main library building located on Catte Street is stunning. Heading into the Old Schools Quad through the Great Gate, you can admire the stunning architecture of this building.

MARVEL AT THE RADCLIFFE CAMERA

Heading out of the south entrance of the Old Schools Quad of the Bodleian Library leads to Radcliffe Square, with a view of my favourite building in Oxford – the RADCLIFFE CAMERA. A beautiful, circular building adorned with columns and a domed roof – the third largest in Britain, Radcliffe Camera is truly spectacular building. Built between 1737 and 1749, it has been a ‘camera’ (which means ‘reading room’) since 1860. The only way to see the inside of the Radcliffe Camera as a non-member is by taking part in an extended tour of the Bodleian Library. For me, just walking around this iconic landmark and admiring it from the outside was satisfying enough.

ADMIRE THE BRIDGE OF SIGHS

For anyone who has seen photos of Oxford, it’s likely that images of the Hertford Bridge would be included. Also known as BRIDGE OF SIGHS, it connects the old and new quadrangles of Hertford College and crosses New College Lane. The bridge was completed in 1914 and is a very popular tourist hot spot, which is why a Sunday morning is the perfect time to visit.

CLIMB THE TOWER OF UNIVERSITY CHURCH OF ST. MARY THE VIRGIN

To the south of the Radcliffe Camera, stands the UNIVERSITY CHURCH of St. Mary the Virgin, where visitors are welcome to explore and take some reflection time wandering around the aisles, admiring the beauty of this building.

It is also possible to climb the tower – the oldest part of the building dating back to 1280, which offers spectacular views of the city and Radcliffe Square. The tower is open to visitors from 9.30am Monday to Saturday and from 12.00pm on Sundays. During busy times a queue will form as there is limited capacity. Access to the tower is via a medieval, steep and narrow spiral staircase. There are passing places on the stairs, but if you are not a fan of confined spaces I wouldn’t recommend it. Once you make it up to the top, the views are breathtaking and very worthwhile.

While you are at the church, be sure to stop off at the VAULTS & GARDEN CAFE who serve organic, freshly produced and locally sourced dishes, alongside great coffee and cake.

GET LOST IN THE QUIETER STREETS AND ALLEYWAYS

Oxford is a maze of narrow streets and alleyways that should be explored. While the main thoroughfares may be busy, take a detour down a side street and you never know what you might find. If you see an open archway or large doorway, pop your head in. You never know what you might be on the other side.

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WHERE TO STAY IN OXFORD

Oxford’s city centre has a wide range of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. From the chain hotel groups to beautiful boutique hotels in stunning buildings, there a functional and indulgent options.

SPEND THE NIGHT IN PRISON AT MALMAISON OXFORD

For a treat hotel, I would recommend the MALMAISON OXFORD. Malmaison are a chain of 18 boutique hotels, most often found located within interesting or historic buildings. The Malmaison Oxford takes this to another level as it is located within the old Oxford Prison building.

With 95 rooms and suites, many of which are housed in the converted cells of the main cell block, this really is a destination hotel worth experiencing. Opening a large heavy cell door to enter your room, with the natural lighting coming only from the narrow slither of a prison window really creates an enticing hotel experience. The main wing of the cell block, complete with metal stairways and gantries still stands today. It’s a stunning building and an amazing experience.

SEARCH THE BEST OXFORD HOTELS HERE

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